[[Image:Longbeard king.jpg|thumb|A king of the Longbeards, portrayed by Warren Mahy]]

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[[File:Warren Mahy - Longbeard king.jpg|thumb|A king of the Longbeards by [[Warren Mahy]]]]

'''Durin's Folk''' were the '''Longbeards''' (''[[Sigin-tarâg]]'' in [[Khuzdul]]), one of the seven kindreds of [[Dwarves]] whose leaders were from the [[House of Durin]]. Their first king was named [[Durin]], who was one of the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

'''Durin's Folk''' were the '''Longbeards''' (''[[Sigin-tarâg]]'' in [[Khuzdul]]), one of the seven kindreds of [[Dwarves]] whose leaders were from the [[House of Durin]]. Their first king was named [[Durin]], who was one of the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

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==History==

==History==

===The [[First Age]]===

===The [[First Age]]===

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In the deeps of time the Fathers of the Dwarves awoke. Durin, who had slept alone at Mount [[Gundabad]],<ref name="Dwarves">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref> wandered until he came upon [[Azanulbizar]] and in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] he founded the Dwarf-realm of [[Khazad-dûm]], the home of Durin's Folk. Durin lived there so long he became known as Durin the Deathless, yet in the end he died before the end of the [[First Age]].<ref name="Durin"/>

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In the deeps of time the Fathers of the Dwarves awoke. Durin, who had slept alone at Mount [[Gundabad]],<ref name="Dwarves">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref> wandered south along the [[Misty Mountains]] until he came upon [[Azanulbizar]] and in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] he founded the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], the home of Durin's Folk. Durin lived there so long he became known as Durin the Deathless, yet in the end he died before the end of the [[First Age]].<ref name="Durin"/>

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When [[Men]] first migrated west into [[Rhovanion]] and [[Eriador]] they encountered Durin's Folk. The Longbeards were the wisest and most farseeing of the seven kindreds and began dealing with Men, establishing an economy in which Men chiefly provided food in exchange for Dwarven work in building, road-construction, mining, and the crafting of tools and weapons. During this period the Longbeards adopted the speech of Men, keeping their own language to themselves.<ref name="Dwarves"/>

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When [[Men]] first migrated west into [[Rhovanion]] and [[Eriador]] they encountered Durin's Folk. The Longbeards were the wisest and most farseeing of the seven kindreds and began dealing with Men, establishing an economy in which Men chiefly provided food in exchange for Dwarven work in building, road-building, mining, and the crafting of tools and weapons. During this period the Dwarves adopted the speech of Men, keeping their own language to themselves.<ref name="Dwarves"/>

===The [[Second Age]]===

===The [[Second Age]]===

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At the end of the First Age during the [[War of Wrath]] and the breaking of [[Thangorodrim]] the ancient cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] in the [[Blue Mountains]] had been ruined. About the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> many Dwarves, with their craft and lore, left the destruction behind and came to Khazad-dûm, greatly increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="Durin"/>

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At the end of the First Age during the [[War of Wrath]] and the breaking of [[Thangorodrim]] the ancient cities of [[Nogrod]] and [[Belegost]] in the [[Blue Mountains]] had been ruined. About the year {{SA|40|n}},<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> many Dwarves, with their great knowledge of craft and lore, left the destruction behind and came to Khazad-dûm, greatly increasing its wealth and power.<ref name="Durin"/>

−

In {{SA|750|n}}, the [[Noldor]] established a new realm in [[Eregion]]. Being nigh to Khazad-dûm they established a friendship with Durin's Folk unsurpassed before or since between [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]]. Although both peoples were enriched, eventually the Elves succumbed to the seduction of [[Sauron]] and forged the [[Rings of Power]] (the forging of these Rings began about {{SA|1500|n}} and one was given to [[Durin III]] in Khazad-dûm<ref name="Durin"/>). In {{SA|1693|n}} the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began. By {{SA|1697|n}} Eregion had been destroyed and the gates of Khazad-dûm were shut.<ref name="SA"/>

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In {{SA|750|n}}, the [[Noldor]] established a new realm in [[Eregion]]. Being close to Khazad-dûm they established a friendship with Durin's Folk unlike any before between [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]]. Although both peoples were enriched, eventually the Elves succumbed to the seduction of [[Sauron]] and forged the [[Rings of Power]] (the forging of these Rings began about {{SA|1500|n}} and one was given to [[Durin III]] in Khazad-dûm<ref name="Durin"/>). In {{SA|1693|n}} the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began. By {{SA|1697|n}}, Eregion was [[Sack of Eregion|destroyed]] and the Dwarves briefly fought the forces of Sauron outside their western gate. Leading to the gates of Khazad-dûm being shut.<ref name="SA"/>

During the Dark Years of Sauron's dominion Durin's Folk remained enclosed in Khazad-dûm, which was unassailable from without. Its wealth remained unravished but its people began to dwindle.<ref name="SA"/>

During the Dark Years of Sauron's dominion Durin's Folk remained enclosed in Khazad-dûm, which was unassailable from without. Its wealth remained unravished but its people began to dwindle.<ref name="SA"/>

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In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434|n}} some Dwarves fought on the side of Sauron, but all of Durin's Folk fought against him.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

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In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434|n}} Durin's Folk sent forces to fight alongside the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and likely through the end of the [[War of the Last Alliance]].<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

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===The [[Third Age]]===

===The [[Third Age]]===

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During the reign of [[Durin VI]] the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm delved deeper and deeper for ''[[mithril]]'', which had become ever harder to mine. They roused from sleep a hidden [[Balrog]] that had fled from the coming of the [[Host of the West]]. In {{TA|1980|n}} [[Durin VI]] was slain by it and in {{TA|1981|n}} his son [[Náin I]] was killed and all the people of Khazad-dûm were either destroyed or fled far away.<ref name="Durin"/>

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During the reign of [[Durin VI]] the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm delved deeper and deeper for ''[[mithril]]'', which had become increasingly harder to find. In {{TA|1980|n}} however, they accidentally awoke a hidden [[Balrog]] that had fled from the coming of the [[Host of the West]] in the First Age, and killed King [[Durin VI]]. Finally in {{TA|1981|n}} his son [[Náin I]] was also killed and all the people of Khazad-dûm were either destroyed or fled far away.<ref name="Durin"/>

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Most of Durin's Folk escaped to the north where in {{TA|1999|n}}<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> [[Thráin I]] established a new realm within [[Erebor]], becoming [[King under the Mountain]]. His son [[Thorin I]] left Erebor in {{TA|2210|n}}<ref name="TA"/> and travelled further north to settle in the [[Grey Mountains]] where most of Durin's Folk had gone. For a time they prospered there for the mountains were rich.<ref name="Durin"/>

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Most of Durin's Folk escaped to the north where in {{TA|1999|n}}<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> [[Thráin I]] established a new capital within [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], becoming [[King under the Mountain]]. His son [[Thorin I]] left Erebor in {{TA|2210|n}}<ref name="TA"/> and travelled further north to settle in the [[Grey Mountains]] where most of Durin's Folk had gone. For a time they prospered there for the mountains were rich.<ref name="Durin"/>

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Unfortunately there were [[Dragons|dragons]] in the wastes north of the Grey Mountains. In {{TA|2570|n}} they began afflicting the Dwarves and in {{TA|2589|n}} [[Dáin I]]<ref name="TA"/> and his second son [[Frór]] were killed by a great [[Cold-drake|cold-drake]].<ref name="Durin"/> Soon the Grey Mountains were abandoned by Durin's Folk with [[Grór]], Dáin's third son, leading many followers to the [[Iron Hills]] in {{TA|2590|n}}.<ref name="TA"/>

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Unfortunately there were [[Dragons|dragons]] in the wastes north of the Grey Mountains, and in {{TA|2570|n}} they began [[War of the Dwarves and Dragons|making war]] against the Longbeards. The conflict came to a climax in {{TA|2589|n}} when King [[Dáin I]]<ref name="TA"/> and his second son [[Frór]] were killed by a great [[Cold-drake|cold-drake]] outside [[Dáin's halls|his halls]].<ref name="Durin"/> Soon after, most of Durin's Folk left the Ered Mithrin with [[Grór]], Dáin's third son, leading many followers to the [[Iron Hills]] in {{TA|2590|n}}.<ref name="TA"/>

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In the same year, Dáin's first son and heir, [[Thrór]], with his uncle [[Borin]] and the remainder of Durin's Folk, returned to Erebor. There they prospered, winning the friendship of all Men nearby, and trafficking in ore with their kin in the Iron Hills.<ref name="Durin"/> News of the wealth of Erebor spread and reached the ears of the dragons, and in {{TA|2770|n}} [[Smaug]] suddenly descended upon the Mountain.<ref name="TA"/> Although many were killed, many others of Thrór's kin escaped. Those with Thrór headed south into long homeless wandering while more of Durin's Folk headed east and joined those in the Iron Hills.<ref name="Durin"/>

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In the same year, Dáin's first son and heir, [[Thrór]], with his uncle [[Borin]] and the remainder of the departing Longbeards, returned to Erebor. There they prospered, winning the friendship of all Men nearby, and trafficking in ore with their kin in the Iron Hills.<ref name="Durin"/> News of the wealth of Erebor spread and reached the dragons, and in {{TA|2770|n}} [[Smaug]] suddenly descended upon the Mountain, and [[Sack of Erebor|sacked]] it.<ref name="TA"/> Although many Dwarves were killed, many escaped as well. Among them were King Thrór and his family who headed south into a long homeless wandering while most of the surviving Longbeards headed east to the Iron Hills.<ref name="Durin"/>

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The followers of Thrór had settled in [[Dunland]]<ref name="Durin"/> when in {{TA|2790|n}} Thrór left "to see what I can find."<ref name="TA"/> With a companion, [[Nár]], he came to the gate of Khazad-dûm and entered as a returning heir. For days Nár waited in hiding until Thrór’s body was tossed from the gates by the Orc-leader [[Azog]], who told Nár to go warn all other Dwarves not to come. Nár reported the evil news to [[Thráin II|Thráin]], Thrór's son. Now King, Thráin II sent messengers bearing the tale to all other Dwarves.<ref name="Durin"/>

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The followers of Thrór eventually settled in [[Dunland]]<ref name="Durin"/> where in {{TA|2790|n}} Thrór left "to see what I can find."<ref name="TA"/> With a companion, [[Nár (companion of Thrór)|Nár]], he came to the east gate of Khazad-dûm and entered as a returning heir. For days Nár waited in hiding outside until Thrór’s body was tossed from the gates by the Orc-chieftain [[Azog]], who told Nár to go warn his kin never to return to Moria. Nár went back to [[Thráin II|Thráin]], Thrór's son to report what had happened. Now King and filled with anger, Thráin II sent word to all the houses of the Dwarves to prepare for war.<ref name="Durin"/>

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By {{TA|2793|n}} the Dwarves had mustered and the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]] began.<ref name="TA"/> Durin's Folk gathered all their host and were joined by large forces of the other Houses of the Dwarves. From Gundabad to the [[Gladden]] battles were fought that the Dwarves won through greater strength, matchless weapons, and burning anger.<ref name="Durin"/>

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By {{TA|2793|n}} the Dwarves had mustered a great host. Durin's Folk and large forces from the other Houses were ready to launch a [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs|war of vengeance]].<ref name="TA"/> For six years, From Gundabad to the [[Gladden River|Gladden]], they sacked and assaulted every Orc dwelling they could find. Defeating the [[Orcs]] through strength, matchless weapons, and burning anger.<ref name="Durin"/>

−

At last on a dark wintery day in {{TA|2799|n}} the Dwarf-host came to Azanulbizar<ref name="TA"/> and found a great host of [[Orcs]] awaiting them. Undeterred, the Dwarves, led by Thráin II, made an assault and thus began the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]]. This battle too, the Dwarves won, but at fearsome cost. In the end Azog was beheaded and Thrór was avenged, but the Dwarves could not take Khazad-dûm, for within still dwelt [[Durin's Bane]].

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At last on a dark winter day in {{TA|2799|n}} the Dwarf-host came to Azanulbizar<ref name="TA"/> and found a great host of Orcs awaiting them. Undeterred, the Dwarves, led by Thráin II, made their assault, beginning the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]]. This final battle too the Dwarves won, but at great cost. In the end Azog was beheaded and Thrór was avenged, but the Dwarves could not take Khazad-dûm, for within still dwelt Durin's Bane.

−

Post-battle, the Dwarves dispersed. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] let his contingent of Durin's Folk back to the Iron Hills. Thráin II, with [[Thorin]], [[Balin]], [[Glóin]], and others of their following returned to Dunland. Soon though they uprooted and wandered in Eriador until they established themselves in the [[Ered Luin]] beyond the [[Lhûn|Lune]]. There they prospered and their numbers slowly grew.<ref name="Durin"/>

+

With the war over the Dwarves dispersed. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] led his contingent of Longbeards back to the Iron Hills. Thráin II, with [[Thorin]], [[Balin]], [[Glóin]], and others of their following returned to Dunland. Soon though they uprooted and wandered in Eriador until they established themselves in the northern [[Ered Luin]] beyond the [[Lhûn|Lune]]. There they prospered and their numbers slowly grew.<ref name="Durin"/>

−

Thráin II decided to return to Erebor in {{TA|2841|n}} but as he travelled, he and his companions were pursued by Sauron's servants. One day in {{TA|2845|n}} Thráin was captured and imprisoned in [[Dol Guldur]]. Eventually, in {{TA|2850|n}}, [[Gandalf]] found him and received the key to Erebor, but the last of the [[Seven Rings]] had been taken and Gandalf was unable to rescue Thráin.<ref name="TA"/>

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Thráin II decided to return to Erebor in {{TA|2841|n}} but as he travelled, he and his companions were pursued by Sauron's servants. One day in {{TA|2845|n}} Thráin was captured and imprisoned in [[Dol Guldur]]. Eventually, in {{TA|2850|n}}, [[Gandalf]] found him and received the key to Erebor, but the last of the [[Seven Rings]] had been taken and Gandalf was unable to rescue the Dwarf.<ref name="TA"/>

−

Thorin Oakenshield and his followers among Durin's Folk continued to labour and traffic in the Ered Luin until one day Thorin sought and found Gandalf to solicit his counsel and aid in dealing with Smaug. Gandalf devised a plan for burglary, employing the service of [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]]. The plan succeeded and Smaug was slain, but in the subsequent [[Battle of Five Armies]] Thorin died. However, his cousin Dáin Ironfoot, who had fought in the battle with those of Durin's Folk from the Iron Hills, entered Erebor and restored the Kingdom under the Mountain as King Dáin II.<ref name="Durin"/>

+

King Thorin II Oakenshield and his people continued to labor and traffic in the Ered Luin until one day Thorin sought and found Gandalf to solicit his counsel and aid in dealing with Smaug. Gandalf devised a plan for burglary, employing the service of [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]]. The plan succeeded and Smaug was slain, but in the subsequent [[Battle of Five Armies]] Thorin was killed. However his cousin Dáin Ironfoot, who led a contingent of Dwarves in the battle, entered Erebor and restored the Kingdom under the Mountain as King Dáin II.<ref name="Durin"/>

−

Durin's Folk grew strong in Erebor until during the [[War of the Ring]] their realm and that of the [[Kingdom of Dale]] were invaded by Sauron's northern army. In the [[Battle of Dale]] in {{TA|3019|n}} King Dáin II fell and thereafter the Mountain was besieged. Upon the news of Sauron's downfall, however, the besieged routed the army of Sauron and Dáin's son, [[Thorin Stonehelm]] became the King under the Mountain as Thorin III.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> Eventually his descendant, [[Durin VII]], would lead Durin's Folk back to Khazad-dûm .<ref>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

+

Durin's Folk grew strong in Erebor until during the [[War of the Ring]] their realm and that of the [[Kingdom of Dale]] were attacked by Sauron's northern forces. In the [[Battle of Dale]] in {{TA|3019|n}} King Dáin II fell and thereafter the Mountain was besieged. Upon the news of Sauron's downfall, however, the besieged routed the army of Sauron and Dáin's son, [[Thorin Stonehelm]] became the King under the Mountain as Thorin III.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> Eventually his descendant, [[Durin VII]], would lead Durin's Folk back to Khazad-dûm .<ref>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

−

Also after the fall of Sauron, [[Gimli]], the son of Glóin, brought some of Durin's Folk from Erebor south to Aglarond and there established a new Dwarf-realm. Gimli served as the Lord of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Durin"/>

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Also after the fall of Sauron, [[Gimli]], the son of Glóin, brought some of Durin's Folk from Erebor south to [[Aglarond]] and there established a new Dwarf-realm. Gimli served as the [[Lord of the Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Durin"/>

Contents

History

In the deeps of time the Fathers of the Dwarves awoke. Durin, who had slept alone at Mount Gundabad,[2] wandered south along the Misty Mountains until he came upon Azanulbizar and in the caves above Kheled-zâram he founded the city of Khazad-dûm, the home of Durin's Folk. Durin lived there so long he became known as Durin the Deathless, yet in the end he died before the end of the First Age.[1]

When Men first migrated west into Rhovanion and Eriador they encountered Durin's Folk. The Longbeards were the wisest and most farseeing of the seven kindreds and began dealing with Men, establishing an economy in which Men chiefly provided food in exchange for Dwarven work in building, road-construction, mining, and the crafting of tools and weapons. During this period the Longbeards adopted the speech of Men, keeping their own language to themselves.[2]

At the end of the First Age during the War of Wrath and the breaking of Thangorodrim the ancient cities of Nogrod and Belegost in the Blue Mountains had been ruined. About the year 40,[3] many Dwarves, with their great knowledge of craft and lore, left the destruction behind and came to Khazad-dûm, greatly increasing its wealth and power.[1]

In 750, the Noldor established a new realm in Eregion. Being close to Khazad-dûm they established a friendship with Durin's Folk unlike any before between Elves and Dwarves. Although both peoples were enriched, eventually the Elves succumbed to the seduction of Sauron and forged the Rings of Power (the forging of these Rings began about 1500 and one was given to Durin III in Khazad-dûm[1]). In 1693 the War of the Elves and Sauron began. By 1697, Eregion was destroyed and the Dwarves briefly fought the forces of Sauron outside their western gate. Leading to the gates of Khazad-dûm being shut.[3]

During the Dark Years of Sauron's dominion Durin's Folk remained enclosed in Khazad-dûm, which was unassailable from without. Its wealth remained unravished but its people began to dwindle.[3]

During the reign of Durin VI the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm delved deeper and deeper for mithril, which had become increasingly harder to find. In 1980 however, they accidentally awoke a hidden Balrog that had fled from the coming of the Host of the West in the First Age, and killed King Durin VI. Finally in 1981 his son Náin I was also killed and all the people of Khazad-dûm were either destroyed or fled far away.[1]

Unfortunately there were dragons in the wastes north of the Grey Mountains, and in 2570 they began making war against the Longbeards. The conflict came to a climax in 2589 when King Dáin I[5] and his second son Frór were killed by a great cold-drake outside his halls.[1] Soon after, most of Durin's Folk left the Ered Mithrin with Grór, Dáin's third son, leading many followers to the Iron Hills in 2590.[5]

In the same year, Dáin's first son and heir, Thrór, with his uncle Borin and the remainder of the departing Longbeards, returned to Erebor. There they prospered, winning the friendship of all Men nearby, and trafficking in ore with their kin in the Iron Hills.[1] News of the wealth of Erebor spread and reached the dragons, and in 2770Smaug suddenly descended upon the Mountain, and sacked it.[5] Although many Dwarves were killed, many escaped as well. Among them were King Thrór and his family who headed south into a long homeless wandering while most of the surviving Longbeards headed east to the Iron Hills.[1]

The followers of Thrór eventually settled in Dunland[1] where in 2790 Thrór left "to see what I can find."[5] With a companion, Nár, he came to the east gate of Khazad-dûm and entered as a returning heir. For days Nár waited in hiding outside until Thrór’s body was tossed from the gates by the Orc-chieftain Azog, who told Nár to go warn his kin never to return to Moria. Nár went back to Thráin, Thrór's son to report what had happened. Now King and filled with anger, Thráin II sent word to all the houses of the Dwarves to prepare for war.[1]

By 2793 the Dwarves had mustered a great host. Durin's Folk and large forces from the other Houses were ready to launch a war of vengeance.[5] For six years, From Gundabad to the Gladden, they sacked and assaulted every Orc dwelling they could find. Defeating the Orcs through strength, matchless weapons, and burning anger.[1]

At last on a dark winter day in 2799 the Dwarf-host came to Azanulbizar[5] and found a great host of Orcs awaiting them. Undeterred, the Dwarves, led by Thráin II, made their assault, beginning the Battle of Azanulbizar. This final battle too the Dwarves won, but at great cost. In the end Azog was beheaded and Thrór was avenged, but the Dwarves could not take Khazad-dûm, for within still dwelt Durin's Bane.

With the war over the Dwarves dispersed. Dáin Ironfoot led his contingent of Longbeards back to the Iron Hills. Thráin II, with Thorin, Balin, Glóin, and others of their following returned to Dunland. Soon though they uprooted and wandered in Eriador until they established themselves in the northern Ered Luin beyond the Lune. There they prospered and their numbers slowly grew.[1]

Thráin II decided to return to Erebor in 2841 but as he travelled, he and his companions were pursued by Sauron's servants. One day in 2845 Thráin was captured and imprisoned in Dol Guldur. Eventually, in 2850, Gandalf found him and received the key to Erebor, but the last of the Seven Rings had been taken and Gandalf was unable to rescue the Dwarf.[5]

King Thorin II Oakenshield and his people continued to labor and traffic in the Ered Luin until one day Thorin sought and found Gandalf to solicit his counsel and aid in dealing with Smaug. Gandalf devised a plan for burglary, employing the service of Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. The plan succeeded and Smaug was slain, but in the subsequent Battle of Five Armies Thorin was killed. However his cousin Dáin Ironfoot, who led a contingent of Dwarves in the battle, entered Erebor and restored the Kingdom under the Mountain as King Dáin II.[1]

Durin's Folk grew strong in Erebor until during the War of the Ring their realm and that of the Kingdom of Dale were attacked by Sauron's northern forces. In the Battle of Dale in 3019 King Dáin II fell and thereafter the Mountain was besieged. Upon the news of Sauron's downfall, however, the besieged routed the army of Sauron and Dáin's son, Thorin Stonehelm became the King under the Mountain as Thorin III.[6] Eventually his descendant, Durin VII, would lead Durin's Folk back to Khazad-dûm .[7]